Surname Rainhard - Meaning and Origin

Rainhard: What does the surname Rainhard mean?

The last name Rainhard is of German origin. It is a variant of the name Reinhardt, which is derived from two German words: “rein” meaning “pure” and “hard” meaning “brave” or “strong”. As such, the name Rainhard is thought to have originated from a nickname for a particularly brave or strong individual who was also considered to have a pure character. This thought also ties in with the Anglo-Saxon culture in which the name was first found – people in this culture often used nicknames to indicate a person’s personal characteristics.

The name Rainhard is still relatively common today, particularly in Germany and Central Europe. It is often shortened to Reinhardt or Reinhart by those of German descent to emphasise the name’s original meaning. Those with this name are believed to be strong-willed and determined. They often take on challenges with courage and seek to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. It is sometimes said that people who carry this name have an intense flame that burns within them, allowing them to face adversity and strive to pursue their goals.

Those with the last name Rainhard often harbour a deep respect for their ancestry and use their strong character to honour and embrace their roots.

Rainhard: Where does the name Rainhard come from?

The last name Rainhard is most common in Austria, but there are people with the name living in other countries around the world. In Austria, the name is primarily concentrated in the state of Vorarlberg. It is estimated that over 3,000 people bear the last name Rainhard living in Austria today.

In the United States, Rainhard is a much less common surname. According to research by the US Census Bureau, there are fewer than 500 people with the last name Rainhard living in the US today. Most Rainhards living in the US are of Austrian, German, or Swiss descent and came to the US during the 1800s or early 1900s.

The Rainhard name is also found throughout Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France. In Canada, the name is especially prominent in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

In short, the last name Rainhard is most common in Austria, but it can also be found in other parts of Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Variations of the surname Rainhard

Rainhard is an uncommon surname of German origin; it belongs to the group of German surnames derived from 'given names'. Its variants also include the spelling, Reinhard, Rynehart, Raynehart, and Ryneheart.

Rainhard is a predominantly German surname, but it has become more common throughout Europe as well. It can be occasionally encountered in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland as well as other areas of the world with German populations.

The given name 'Reinhard' is from the Middle High German label Reinhart meaning 'strong in judgement'. As with all German family names, 'Rainhard' is composed of pre-defined elements of the language, and carries with it the root 'hart' meaning 'strong, hard or tough'. This suggests a root of someone who is strong willed or resolute in their judgement.

Variants of the Rainhard surname include Reinhardt, Reinhart, Reinharte, Reinhard, Reinhardi, Reenhard, Reinharde, Reinhardi, and Reynhard. The most frequent variant of this surname is Reinhard, which has largely become a popular spelling in the USA.

The most common alternate surnames derived from Rainhard are Rinehart, Rynhart, Rynhartt, Rainter, Raigner, Maynehart, Mayneharte, Reynhart, Rainhartz, and Rinyard. These alternate surnames derived through the phonetic-change of the name, which is a common method of spelling variants used in the English as well as German language.

The surname Rainhard is an uncommon name in present times, but having its Germanic roots, it is certainly not extinct.

Famous people with the name Rainhard

• Leonard Cohen: Canadian singer-songwriter and novelist.
• Felix Rainhard: German composer, conductor, and actor.
• Fritz Rainhard: German actor and director.
• Juliana Rainhard: Canadian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
• Carla Rainhard: German actress.
• Michael Rainhard: American time-travel novelist and short story writer.
• Leonard Rainhard: Canadian actor.
• Max Rainhard: German author of children’s books.
• John Rainhard: Canadian singer-songwriter and musician.
• Veronika Rainhard: Austrian singer-songwriter and pianist.
• Jeremy Rainhard: American voice actor, casting director, and singer.
• Kevin Rainhard: Swiss actor, writer, and director.
• Darren Rainhard: Canadian actor and director.
• Ursula Rainhard: Swiss actress and director.
• Alexander Rainhard: German film director.
• Tracy Rainhard: Canadian comedian, writer, and actress.
• Georgette Rainhard: French actress.
• Ralf Rainhard: German television director.
• Clarissa Rainhard: Swiss television and theater actress.
• Trevor Rainhard: American radio broadcaster and journalist.

Other surnames

Rainhardt